Representative Opportunities

Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) conducts a number of Carnivals and Championships each year. Within the structure of these events, the Association tries to strike a balance between the competitive and fun aspects of Little Athletics.New Zealand Development Tour (U14, U15 and U16)Little Athletics Queensland has identified a major drop off in registered members in our older age groups. As such, we have organised this tour to encourage our athletes to remain involved in Little Athletics throughout their senior years.It is also anticipated that by doing this, it will encourage athletes to stay involved in the sport of Athletics as they move into adulthood. The purpose of the Tour is a development opportunity for athletes of all levels.

The Tour takes place in the January school holidays each year, and runs for approximately 8-9 days and it is not necessary to be an elite athlete to take part in this Tour. Athletes in the Team will spend time travelling and competing together throughout the South Island of New Zealand. Qualified LAQ Team Management will accompany the athletes while on the tour and will be in complete control of the athletes while they are away.

For more information please visit LAQ, click here.​Spring Carnival (for U7-U17's)The Spring Carnival will be held each year at the Bundaberg Regional Complex and is open to all U7-U17 LAQ registered athletes as well as non-LAQ registered athletes. The competition provides a means for Centre athletes a chance to gain additional competition towards the end of or leading into the LAQ season and leading into the higher level school competitions.Athletes can nominate up to a maximum of (5) events plus a relay. Track and field events relevant for each age group will be offered as well as 4 x 100m Relay events. Athletes that nominate and compete in the 100m will also be eligible to compete in the Senior or Junior Division 100m Handicap races. AWD athletes also have the opportunity to nominate in their own events.All competitors will receive performance certificates detailing their events and performances. The first three placegetters in the U9 -U17 age groups receive placegetter medals and all U7 and U8 athletes receive a participation medal.

Winter Championships and U7's & U8's CarnivalThe Winter Championships is held each year in a Winter Centre area and is open to all LAQ registered athletes as well as non-LAQ registered athletes. The competition provides a means for giving athletes in Winter Centre areas a chance to gain some experience at a higher level of competition. A special U7 & U8 Carnival is also run in conjunction with the Winter Championships. All competitors will receive performance certificates detailing their events and performances. The first three placegetters in the U9 – U17 age groups receive placegetter medals and all U7 and U8 athletes receive a participation medal.

Regional Relays (U7-U17's)The Regional Relays are open to all registered Little Athletics from the U7 - U17's and primarily provide friendly Regional Competition for all athletes in these age groups and in addition are the means for qualifying for the State Relay Championships. Regional track and field relays are provided for, with the track teams comprising of 4 athletes and Centre field teams comprising of nominating athletes.Teams from the U9 - U17 age groups that place 1st, 2nd or 3rd will be eligible to progress to the McDonald's State Relays. As there are no heats or finals at the McDonald's Regional Relays, track teams are placed on best times from the timed finals. Field teams are formed and placed by combining the two best performances (distance or height) of athletes from the same Centre. Winter Centres and Centres in the Central Coast Region may nominate teams directly to participate in the McDonald's State Relays.Each athlete may nominate to participate in a maximum number of 5 events at the Regions. For available events, use this link.​Regional Championships (U7 - U17's)This event is open to all registered LAQ athletes in the U7 to U17 age groups. Each of whom may compete in events of their choice up to five events for Summer athletes aged U7-U17 and Winter U7 & U8's; and up to seven events for Winter athletes aged U9 - U17. Events offered to the U15, 16 & U17 age groups include a Pentathlon which comprises of 100m / 200m (boys/girls), 800m, 100m hurdles / 90m hurdles (boys/girls), Long Jump and Discus / Shot Put (boys/girls). Athletes nominating for the Pentathlon may also compete in any two individual events. For available events, use this link.

Athletes in the U9 - U17's that place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the finals receive medals. All competitors receive performance certificates detailing all events they contest.U9's - U17 athletes competing in 2014/2015 Regional Championships who place 1st - 3rd (Winter Regions) or 1st - 4th (Summer Regions) may progress to the McDonald's State Championships held in March.State Relays (for U9-U17’s)This day is by far the most colourful and spectacular of our Association Days both from a competition and spectator basis. Medals are awarded to all members of teams placing first, second and third. Summer Centre athletes qualify for the State Relays through their respective Regional Relays. Winter Centre athletes can simply nominate teams to be part of this competition.

State Championships (for U9-U17’s)The State Championships is the major competition in our Queensland calendar year. Athletes in the U9-U17’s age groups who place in the first four (Summer athletes) or first three (Winter athletes) at the their Regional Championships are eligible to compete. Typically, some 2000 athletes from all corners of the State take part in this annual event.

Competitors will receive performance certificates detailing their event/s and performances. The first three placegetters from the finals receive medals.

A State Team of 26 children is selected at these Championships. The team is normally comprised of twenty –two U13 Boys and Girls, and four U15 Pentathletes (two boys and two girls). The performance of the U13’s at this event plays a significant part in their selection.

Additional Entry to State Championships:-Athletes who compete in a final at the Regional Championships and who achieve the “Qualifying Performance Level” for that event, shall also qualify for the State Championships, in addition to athletes placed 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th in that event.

These qualifying standards are reviewed each year. For the current State Championships Qualifying Levels, please click on this link.